Equine Grass Sickness: A Devastating Neurological Disease
Equine grass sickness (EGS) causes devastating neurological damage to the equine gut, with most acute cases fatal and chronic cases requiring intensive long-term care.
Key Facts
- Caused by toxins from Clostridium botulinum type C in soil, associated with grazing
- Three forms: acute (rapidly fatal), subacute (poor prognosis), chronic (some recovery possible)
- Causes widespread damage to the autonomic nervous system controlling gut motility
- Chronic cases require weeks of intensive nursing and feeding support
- No effective treatment exists; prevention focuses on risk management
Welfare Considerations
Equine grass sickness causes profound welfare suffering through complete gut paralysis, resulting in inability to swallow, intestinal dysfunction, and severe colic-like pain. Acute cases deteriorate rapidly and euthanasia is almost always the kindest option. Subacute cases face a protracted period of suffering with poor prognosis. Chronic cases that survive the critical period require weeks of intensive hand feeding, nursing care, and supportive treatment. The decision between euthanasia and pursuing treatment for chronic cases requires careful welfare assessment, as the treatment process is itself demanding.
What You Can Do
- Learn to recognize early signs of grass sickness: difficulty swallowing, depression, gut sounds absent
- Discuss grass sickness risk factors and management with your equine vet
- Consider euthanasia early in acute and severe subacute cases to prevent prolonged suffering
- If pursuing chronic case treatment, commit to intensive nursing requirements
- Support Equine Grass Sickness Fund research into causes and prevention